Austin’s new downtown coffee shop, Merit Coffee, is modern and inviting while serving up rich coffee and fresh pastries from San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine.
It seems like the ‘in’ thing right now is to a hard-core coffee lover. I’m talking about those people who spend a ridiculous amount of money on a bag of beans, wake each morning to grind them fresh, and then patiently wait for a french press to finish brewing just to have their first cup of coffee in the morning.
I am none of those people.
I love me a good K-cup and my favorite coffee comes pre-ground, in bulk at HEB. In fact, sometimes I even brew a pot on Sunday, refrigerate it, then drink it over the course of the next few days as iced coffee or by reheating it in the microwave. (The horror, I know!)
But, with all that said, I do appreciate a good coffee shop.
And the other day, I stopped by the new Merit Coffee located in the Seaholm Center and absolutely loved this new-to-Austin coffee shop!
Merit, previously Local Coffee, is originally from San Antonio where the company has multiple locations. When I walked into Merit during my first visit, I instantly knew this shop would fit right in with the Austin culture.
Merit Coffee is simple, not at all over overwhelming and includes the basics of any great coffee shop. The interior was bright and full of natural light with modern finishes.
It’s an inviting space for anyone who likes to linger over a cup of coffee to chat with a friend or wants to settle in with their laptop to get a little work done. Many people were lounging in the shop and at the multiple outdoor tables around the coffee shop. I definitely see Merit Coffee being a buzzing place for those near Seaholm or visiting the new Austin Central Libray.
The best part in my opinion though, are the baked goods Merit Coffee is serving up from San Antonio’s Bakery Lorraine like beautiful macaroons and toaster pastries (fancy pop-tarts to us laymen)! And obviously, Merit couldn’t come to Austin without adding a local touch! The shop’s also offering TacoDeli breakfast tacos and juice from Juice Society.
On one visit, I snagged a classic cold brew coffee from Merit Coffee and a strawberry toaster pastry from Bakery Lorraine! (Pro-tip, ask the barista to warm up your pastry, you won’t regret it!). Although I’m no coffee expert, I loved the cold brew with a splash of cream — smooth, silky and delicious!
The Bakery Lorraine hand pie was sweet and buttery from the pastry while the frosting was thick with the classic pop-tart shell we all remember from our childhood. This treat was a definite indulgence that was oh, so worth it and much more refined than the classic pastry I grew up eating.
Another day, I grabbed a Hippy Bar and a classic batch coffee. The batch wasn’t anything mindblowing but the Hippy Bar was delicious! It’s hearty with a touch of peanut butter and dried fruits. Though still a treat, it was a bit on the healthier side in comparison to the toaster pastry and something I’m craving more of now!
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking out Merit Coffee for a sip and a treat! I know I’ll find myself back at Merit Coffee soon to relax with a cup of coffee and another Bakery Lorraine Hippy Bar!
Merit Coffee
222 West Ave #120
Austin TX, 78701
(512) 906-0266
www.meritcoffee.com